Choosing The Right Bathtub For Your Bathroom

The bathroom and bathtub are, without a doubt, one of the biggest selling points of any home. A clean, well-designed, newly renovated bathroom can result in a significant increase in the resale value of your property.

Designing a bathroom that is as stylish as it is functional means choosing everything from the fixtures (i.e. shower heads, tapware), to the colour scheme, to determining the best placement for the exhaust fan, plus much more. One of the biggest decisions to make can be the style of the bathtub you want to install.

With so many different options available these days the choice might seem overwhelming. Hopefully, with this guide, the decision might become a little easier.

Important Factors to Consider First 

Before you decide on the style of bathtub you want, there are numerous additional factors you may need to consider first and foremost. These will likely include:

• Size, shape, weight, height and depth of the tub
• Bathroom walls and corners / design of the room
• Core materials (i.e. what the bathtub is made of)
• Finishing materials (i.e. what gives the bathtub its aesthetic appearance)
• Bathtub fixtures
• Shelves and storage (e.g for soaps, candles and other bathtub essentials)
• Plumbing requirements (e.g. placement of drain and pipes)
• Safety and accessibility
• Bathtub durability

Once you have given thought to the above points of consideration, you will be in a better position to make an informed choice about the style of bathtub you want in your bathroom.

Different Bathtub Styles

There is an extensive range of bathtub styles to choose from. Certain types could better suit your budget, space and installation requirements. Or, perhaps you have the freedom and flexibility to go for a tub that suits aesthetics rather than practicality.

Alcove Bathtubs

Recessed, or alcove baths, are among the most common types of tubs in older Australian homes. They are typically fitted against the bathroom wall, usually enclosed within two or three sides.

The design of an alcove bathtub has not changed dramatically from when it first came into prominence. Nowadays they are typically made with fibreglass or acrylic instead of cast iron or enamel-coated steel. Alcove bathtubs may have a shower head fitted above, but some might also forego that feature in favour of a separate shower.

Back To Wall Bathtubs

Designed to sit flush against a bathroom wall, back-to-wall baths offer the perfect blend of style and functionality. This positioning saves space, making them ideal for smaller bathrooms, while still providing the luxury of a full-size bath. Their design, with one side resting against the wall, allows for easy cleaning and maintenance. Available in various shapes and styles, back-to-wall baths can complement any bathroom aesthetic, from contemporary to traditional. These baths typically feature a sleek, uncluttered look, offering a focal point in the bathroom without dominating the space. Installation may require specific plumbing considerations due to their unique positioning.

Freestanding Bath

Freestanding baths provide a feel of luxury and glamour. Unsurprisingly, they are becoming increasingly popular, especially in newly renovated bathrooms or new homes. The fact that they’re not fitted to, or installed alongside any walls, leads to innovative bathroom layouts. These designs often experiment with shape and size, and the materials with which they are made.

Clawfoot/Pedestal Bath

Essentially a sub-type of the freestanding tub, clawfoot and pedestal baths are distinct in that they sit on four clawed feet. Or, as the name suggests, on a pedestal for pedestal bathtubs. There is a sense of history with both options. Clawfoot baths became notably popular towards the end of the 19th century. Meanwhile, the pedestal bathtub style is believed to have existed in some form since 1000 BC.

Corner Bath

Often favoured for bathrooms that may be short on space, corner bathtubs are typically triangular in shape and are installed in the corner of the room. Many corner baths will come fitted with air jets, effectively transforming them into whirlpool baths.

Whirlpool Bath

Also known as a Jacuzzi bathtub, the whirlpool tub has been around since the late 1960s and releases air bubbles or water jets from the walls of the tub. These bubbles and jets promote relaxation and health benefits, including increased blood circulation.

Drop-in Bath

Installers typically fit drop-in bathtubs, also known as inset baths, into a specially created hole in the floor. Alternatively, they can carefully drop them into an elevated platform, creating an even, flat appearance relative to the platform. Though drop-in baths can be visually attractive, when it comes to functionality they can be difficult to get out of for some people.

Walk-in Bath

Also known as gated bathtubs, the walk-in design is characterised by high walls and a door that opens from one side. This makes it an ideal option for people with mobility issues. They can step directly into the bathing area, rather than stepping over a bathtub wall to get in. Walk-in baths often include a seat that allows the user to easily sit down, too. There’s no need to lower themselves right down into the bathtub. For many people who need it, this helps immensely with accessibility.

Once You’ve Settled On The Style Of Bathtub

No matter what style of bathtub you opt for, you’re likely to find that they come built in a wide range of materials. No longer is it just the traditional options of acrylic, porcelain or enamelled steel. These days, you’ll find bathtubs built out of everything from resin to concrete and even timber among many other options.

Whether comfort is your primary consideration, you’re looking for a bathtub that meets a certain aesthetic, or you want to strike a fine balance between style and functionality, you’ll need to sort out all your plumbing requirements. For this part, you’ll likely need an experienced and licensed plumber.

The friendly team at Metropolitan Plumbing is able to assist with all your essential bathroom plumbing needs. This includes shower and bathtub installations, pipework, installation of tapware and other bathroom fixtures, plus much more. Our plumbers can assist with everything from hot water installation to leaking taps. Once completed, you’ll have a fully functional, highly stylish bathroom that will become a true focal point of your home.